The study and modulation of cortical connections is a rapidly growing area in neuroscience. This unique book by prominent researchers in the field covers recent advances in this area. The first section of the book describes studies of cortical connections, modulation of cortical connectivity and changes in cortical connections with activities such as motor learning and grasping in primates. The second section covers the use of non-invasive brain stimulation to study and modulate cortical connectivity in humans. The last section describes changes in brain connectivity in neurological and psychiatric diseases, and potential new treatments that manipulate brain connectivity. This book provides an up-to-date view of the study of cortical connectivity, and covers its role in both fundamental neuroscience and potential clinical applications.

For people with severe/profound and multiple disabilities, managing the basic necessities of daily life often poses myriad challenges. Despite great odds, advances in assistive technology are making a difference in these individuals' lives. Advances in microswitches, voice outcome communication aids, and computer-based systems are creating new opportunities for living independently, improving basic life skills, and reducing problem behaviors among individuals with combined motor, sensory, and intellectual disabilities. This unique volume examines how education and rehabilitation can improve the lives of even those individuals most affected by severe/profound and multiple disabilities. Interventions currently in use and in experimental stages are surveyed in terms of how they work and their applicability to clients with various needs. In addition, it examines the characteristics of developmentally disabled populations and offers guidelines for choosing suitable technologies. It presents empirical evidence on the advances in improving interaction with caregivers, control of the home environment, handling self-care tasks, and other core skills. Assistive Technology examines interventions that are innovative, respectful of the dignity of clients, and practical for ongoing use, including: * Microswitches in habilitation programs. * Speech-generating devices for communication and social development. * Instructional technology for promoting academic, work, and leisure skills. * Assistive technology for promoting ambulation. * Orientation systems for promoting movement indoors. * Assistive technology for reducing problem behaviors. A state-of-the-art guide to a growing field, Assistive Technology is an invaluable resource for researchers, clinicians, graduate students as well as clinicians and allied professionals in developmental psychology, rehabilitation and rehabilitative medicine, learning and instruction, occupational therapy, speech-language pathology, and educational technology.

Over the past decade, the scientific information on psychology of injury has increased considerably. Despite dramatic advances in physical education of coaches, field of medicine, athletic training, and physical therapy, the sport-related traumatic injuries is our major concern. Athletic injuries, both single and multiple, have a tendency to grow dramatically. Accordingly, prevention of sport-related injuries is a major challenge facing the sport medicine world today. The purpose of this book is to accumulate the latest development in psychological analyses, evaluation, and management of sport-related injuries, including traumatic brain injuries. No two traumatic injuries are alike in mechanism, symptoms, or symptoms resolution. There is still no agreement upon psychological diagnosis and there is no known comprehensive treatment for sport-related injuries for regaining pre-injury status. Physical symptoms resolution is not an indication of "psychological trauma" resolution.

Biomechanics applies the principles and rigor of engineering to the mechanical properties of living systems. This book integrates the classic fields of mechanics--statics, dynamics, and strength of materials--using examples from biology and medicine. Fundamentals of Biomechanics is excellent for teaching either undergraduates in biomedical engineering programs or health care professionals studying biomechanics at the graduate level. Extensively revised from a successful first edition, the book features a wealth of clear illustrations, numerous worked examples, and many problem sets. The book provides the quantitative perspective missing from more descriptive texts, without requiring an advanced background in mathematics. It will be welcomed for use in courses such as biomechanics and orthopedics, rehabilitation and industrial engineering, and occupational or sports medicine.

Owing to their frequency and possible consequences and considering the fact they frequently affect young people, trauma tic lesions of the thoraco lumbar spine represent a special point of interest within the field of Neurotraumatology. Traffic accidents are the commonest cause, which accounts for the high peak of occurrence between 15 and 24 years of age. It is also worth noting that according to published series nearly 50% ofthe cases affect the thoraco-lumbar junction. From an anatomical point of view, we must note the severity of thoracic spinal cord lesions especially of the thoraco-lumbar junction and of the lumbar region and be able to associate injuries ofthe conus medullaris and of the ca uda equina where there is a possibility of neurological recovery. Clinical evaluation is not always easy, but remains the basis for diagnosis and prognosis. The neurological classification proposed by FRANKEL et al. in 1969 and used at STOKE MANDEVILLE Hospital seems to retain its value. A more sophisticated study of medullary evoked potentials, as described by TsUBOKAWA can allow a more precise localisation and appreciation of the extent ofthe lesion as well as a better evaluation ofthe prognosis and ofthe evaluation of treatment in the acute phase. The neuro-radiological study should include standard views ofthe whole of the spine with antero-posterior and lateral tomograms of the fractured or luxated area. At present, the unquestionable contribution of the CT.

The new edition of this book provides an up-to-date and comprehensive overview of whiplash-associated disorders, focusing in particular on a functional approach to clinical and instrumental diagnosis and rehabilitative treatment. It fully reflects the changes in our understanding of whiplash injuries since the first edition, and in particular the increased awareness that whiplash is a whole-body trauma in which forces act progressively from the lumbar region to the brain, through the cervical spine. Detailed attention is paid to the functional connections between the sense organs of the inner ear, the sympathetic system, and the spine with a view to optimizing diagnosis and treatment. It is explained how various treatment options can be employed to best effect in patients with different symptoms, following, but updating, the well-known Quebec Task Force guidelines. Underestimated aspects such as positional vertigo, somatic tinnitus, temporomandibular disorders, and back pain are also considered. This book will be an invaluable tool in everyday clinical practice for all who are involved in the diagnosis and treatment of whiplash injury.

Down syndrome is one of the most commonly occurring developmental disorders and it is now possible to conceptualize and define opportunities for neurocognitive rehabilitation for those with the condition. This book describes how early cognitive intervention in children with Down syndrome can be carried out, and can reduce, or compensate for, the major deficits characteristic of the condition. This comprehensive account relates the neurocognitive approach to the major therapeutic endeavors in the neighboring fields of neurogenetics, experimental environmental enrichment, molecular genetics, pharmacology, pediatrics and cardiology for infants with Down syndrome. Neurocognitive Rehabilitation of Down Syndrome provides the guidance required to establish effective rehabilitation programs, and is essential reading for developmental clinicians, pediatricians, neuropsychologists and other health professionals.

Executive functioning: we measure it, assess it, document its development in youth, track its decline in age and use it as a basis for diagnoses, treatment planning and-of course-theories. Could it be possible that science has spent decades chasing a cognitive phantom?

Noting the lack of consensus concerning definition, component skills, and location within the brain, "The Myth of Executive Functioning" calls basic assumptions, prominent theories, commonly used test methods, and even the phrase "executive" "functioning" into question. The book's deceptively simple argument takes an evolutionary/neuroscience look at the cornerstones of cognitive organization, including memory, planning, decision-making and adaptation to novel circumstances. From there, gaps are identified between systems of cognitive control and those behaviors that are evaluated in neuropsychological testing-gaps that contribute to the disconnect between how science views mind and body, brain and behavior. The author's problem-solving metaphor places new emphasis on stimulus processing and on the relationship between movement and thought as he offers thought-provoking perspectives on:

The limits of neuropsychological constructs.The components of adaptive thinking.The automatic aspects of problem solving.The left-brain/right-brain dichotomy.Problems with the domain approach to cognition.New paradigms for testing cognitive functioning.

A controversial presentation with the potential to change clinical practice and training, "The Myth of Executive Functioning" will be read, debated and learned from by neuropsychologists, clinical psychologists, psychiatrists, cognitive neuroscientists and rehabilitation specialists.

"

This essential handbook for sports medicine clinicians combines resources from various United States and International Olympic Committee sporting guidelines; national and international youth, scholastic, collegiate, and professional associations; and real-world experience to provide the most up to date and relevant information needed to fulfill coverage duties for sporting events. Easy to read, concise, and complete, this guide is a one-stop reference for sideline medical coverage of nearly fifty sports. Geared for live event coverage, chapters deliver quick hit specifics designed for in-the-moment use on the field.The book opens with a review of general coverage concepts applicable to most sports along with chapters dedicated to overriding medical concerns including emergency management, nutrition and hydration, adaptive sports considerations, and doping in sports, among other key topics. The core of the book focuses on coverage details for individual sports, organized by contact level and presented in a templated format for quick identification. Each sport-focused chapter describes its history, governing organizations, participants, rules and regulations, equipment, medical coverage logistics, medical emergencies, and common injuries. A dedicated "Medical Bag" for every sport outlines the necessary items providers should have at hand for managing emergencies and common injuries. This essential handbook belongs in every sports bag and will serve as a ready resource for clinicians and sideline personnel covering sporting events at any level. Key Features: Handy reference for on-field, sideline, or event sports coverage - with digital access for mobile use on most devices Current guidelines for almost 50 sports, including information specific to the disabled athlete when applicable Every chapter contains sport-specific information on emergencies and common injuries What's in your bag? Highlights medical bag essentials by sport, so you're always prepared Includes general chapters on clinician role, traveling with a team, pre-participation exams, medicolegal and ethical concerns, and approach to signature medical emergencies in sports

Pulmonary emphysema is a disease which develops because of a localized imbalance between endogenous proteinase inhibitors and proteinases leaking from neurophils during phagocytosis at inflammatory foci within the lung. This volume not only reviews at a biochemical level what is known about the natural inhibitors and proteinases involved in connective tissue destruction within the lung, but also suggests novel methodologies for reestablishing proper enzyme-inhibitor balance, including the use of natural or synthetic inhibitors for supplementation or gene therapy.

The purpose of this book is to teach psychologists with a neuropsychology background about cognitive remediation, the evidence in the research literature, and how to develop and conduct a treatment plan and evaluate the effectiveness of the interventions. The approach is illustrated using the computer-assisted cognitive remediation program developed by the author (NeurXercise). Twenty-nine different cases are presented in depth, following the outline presented in the earlier portions of the book. Treatment planning emphasizes Luria's concepts of alternate functional systems and double dissociation. Pre- and post-treatment neuropsychological testing results are presented along with ecological validity and generalization to daily functioning. The cases are presented by etiology and each section concludes with what can be learned about that etiologic process from the cognitive remediation results. This section includes blast injuries, which are still being characterized in the literature, as well as effective treatment of patients with head injury, stroke, post-neurosurgical sequelae, co-morbid disorders, subcortical disorders, attention deficit disorder, and learning disabilities. The book identifies the most commonly used neuropsychological test instruments for evaluating cognitive deficits, discusses their input and output characteristics, and does the same for the NeurXercise computer-based exercises so that the connection between testing and treatment is easy to see and develop. In addition to discussing this in the appropriate sections of the book, these are summarized in the appendixes as a reference for correlating test findings and appropriate exercises for remediating deficits.

Over the last two decades, the increasing use of noninvasive ventilation (NIV) has reduced the need for endotracheal ventilation, thus decreasing the rate of ventilation-induced complications. Thus, NIV has decreased both intubation rates and mortality rates in specific subsets of patients with acute respiratory failure (for example, patients with hypercapnia, cardiogenic pulmonary edema, immune deficiencies, or post-transplantation acute respiratory failure). Despite the increased use of NIV in clinical practice, there is still a need for more educational tools to improve clinicians knowledge of the indications and contraindications for NIV, the factors that predict failure or success, and also what should be considered when starting NIV. This book has the dual function of being a "classical" text where the major findings in the literature are discussed and highlighted, as well as a practical manual on the tricks and pitfalls to consider in NIV application by both beginners and experts. For example, setting the ventilatory parameters; choosing the interfaces, circuits, and humidification systems; monitoring; and the "right" environment for the "right" patient will be discussed to help clinicians in their choices."

Percutaneous nuclectomy according to the Onik method is an avantgarde method used to remove the intervertebral disc by percutaneous access and with closed surgery. The instrumentation and the procedure are simple. The main feature is the smaller diameter of the probe (2mm) which fragments and aspires the small chips of pulpy nucleus. It reduces the risk of discitic infections (occurring in various percentages with all methods of percutaneous discectomy) because the hole in the anulus, being small, closes spontaneously after the probe is removed. Moreover postoperative acute lumbar pain has been reported to occur less frequently. This method is carried out under local anesthesia, with radioscopic and intraoperative discographic monitoring. By consulting this atlas orthopaedists, neurosurgeons and neuroradiologists may learn this method easily, because every detail is clearly presented and illustrated with a great number of coloured pictures.

This monograph comprises 17 papers written by prominent authors in the field, each of whom presents his most recent experiences. The papers were not specially selected so that this work is far from being a comprehensive textbook covering all aspects of right ventricular hypertrophy and failure in chronic lung disease. Perhaps some of the papers dealing with more strictly physiological problems and experimental models will be somewhat difficult to relate directly to former modes of thinking of both cardiologists and pneumologists. Nevertheless, we hope and expect that this book will provide the reader with, an in-depth appreciation of the situation of present research in different laboratories and countries. Occasionally contradictions between different papers may be noticed. We have not tried to remove these, since each contradiction reflects current areas of dispute or uncertainty in this developing field. We wish finally to acknowledge the continuing support of the Clinica del Lavoro Foundation for projects aimed at promoting education in all fields related to medical rehabilitation. Vlastimil Jdek Mario Morpurgo Roberto Tramarin Foreword This volume is the sixth issue in the Series "Current Topics in Rehabilitation", which was ftrst conceived in 1987 with the aim of offering updated indications as to functional comprehensive evaluation strategies and rehabilitation programmes.

The workshops that have been held over the past few years and the volumes published in their wake have proved highly successful and have prompted us to press on with our initial plans. Our basic aim was to tackle certain very important problems in respiratory rehabilitation and then discuss the various issues with people from all over the wodd engaged in the updating of experience and know ledge in this field. We therefore firmly believe that this ongoing effort is of fundamental importance. Hyperinflation, which is still a poody defined c1inical and physiopatho logical condition, is the focal point ofthis present study, which is aimed at discussing and weighing up the physiopathological mechanisms, c1inical consequences, and rehabilitation possibilities in a disease in which, until relatively recently, rehabilitation had seemed almost totally ineffective. The present contributions, however, show us how very important and versatile rehabilitation may be in its treatment. Perhaps, if we consider this branch of medicine as one which now no longer simply draws upon other sciences, but make an active contribution in its own right, we will have touched upon the most important aspect of this study. If I may, I would just like to add how very pleasing it is for me to acknow ledge how much this joint effort has contributed, in terms of true insights and above all VI results, to finding solutions to the problems addressed in reeent years.

Qualitative Research for Occupational and Physical Therapists is a practical guide for students and professionals in rehabilitation intended to encourage their active engagement with this major approach to research design and implementation.
Carpenter and Suto address the specific needs of the therapy professions by examining the unique challenges of conducting qualitative research in community and institutional rehabilitation settings. Whilst grounded in contemporary literature, the book puts theory into action with examples of research and a demonstration of how such studies have directly influenced rehabilitation practice.
The book covers the entire research process from the initial preparation through to implementing, interpreting, disseminating, and ensuring the quality of qualitative research.

In this book the lectures of the first course of the International School of Cardiology at Ettore Majorana are presented. It is difficult to reflect in a publication of this kind the atmosphere and spirit of this postgraduate course. Moreover, the beautiful scenery of Erice and its surroundings, celebrated by ancient Greek poets, can never be described by the editors of this book. The purpo e of this course was to deepen our knowledge accumulated todate on the subjects of non-invasive cardio circulatory assessment and the analysis of the comprehensive approach to cardiac rehabilitation. The clinical value of exercise testing, echo-cardiography, scintigraphy, systolic time intervals have been discussed, as well as the tasks of exercise training, surgery and drugs in the secondary prevention of coronary heart disease. The problems of arrhythmias and the prevention of sudden death have been touched on, as well as early m bilization after myocardial infarction, the use of digoxin and beta blockers and finally, the controversies in cardiac rehabilitation."

There is an ever-increasing need for designers to create products that are genuinely inclusive of members of society with special needs. The population is growing older and legislative demands on industry to provide equal access for all are growing ever more stringent. Several research disciplines are working to find solutions to the problem of how to develop more inclusive products and the aim of Universal Access and Assistive Technology is to bring experiences from these different perspectives into a single reference. This book contains the proceedings of the first Cambridge Workshop on Universal Access and Assistive Technology (CWUAAT), incorporating the fourth Cambridge Workshop on Rehabilitation Robotics, held in Cambridge, England in March 2002. This book contains contributions from an international group of leading researchers in the fields of Universal Access and Assistive Technology. Contributions include papers on design, robotics and computer access, as well as the experiences of industry.It is composed of three parts containing material on: * design issues for universal access and assistive technology; * enabling computer access and new technologies; * assistive technology and rehabilitation robotics. Reflecting the spirit of recent moves to extend rights to universal accessibility, this series of workshops and accompanying books is aimed at a broad range of interests, with a general focus on the development of products and solutions. Numerous case studies are used to raise awareness of the challenges faced in developing truly inclusive products, along with examples of good practice.

This book provides a hands-on resource for the development of essential skills and competencies in clinical neuropsychology. On a very practical level it addresses a question frequently asked by students, trainees, interns, and newly qualified psychologists: what do I need to know in order to perform the everyday tasks involved in clinical neuropsychology? The authors distil, from a vast knowledge base, the practical skills and knowledge needed to lay the foundations for working with brain-injured patients, especially within the developed and developing world where time and resources are limited. The book is divided into three main sections: Basic Foundations, Clinical Practice, and Professional Issues. Together these sections cover 18 fundamental topics, each representing a key part of the life of a practitioner. Each chapter contains practical tips, points for reflective practice, and suggested further reading, with a particular emphasis on issues pertaining to working in under-resourced clinical environments. The book draws upon landmark academic papers and textbooks, and also the authors' experiences of working in state hospitals in both South Africa and the National Health Service in the United Kingdom. Working with Brain Injury will be essential reading for clinical psychology trainees and their supervisors, for newly qualified psychologists in clinical settings, and for students and practitioners in other clinical professions seeking an introduction to clinical neuropsychology.

An injury to the brain can affect virtually any aspect of functioning and, at the deepest level, can alter sense of self or the essential qualities that define who we are. In recent years, there has been a growing body of research investigating changes to self in the context of brain injury. Developments in the cognitive and social neurosciences, psychotherapy and neurorehabilitation have together provided a rich perspective on self and identity reformation after brain injury. This book draws upon these theoretical perspectives and research findings to provide a comprehensive account of the impact of brain injury on self-identity. The second half of this book provides an in-depth review of clinical strategies for assessing changes in self-identity after brain injury, and of rehabilitation approaches for supporting individuals to maintain or re-establish a positive post-injury identity. The book emphasizes a shift in clinical orientation, from a traditional focus on alleviating impairments, to a focus on working collaboratively with people to support them to re-engage in valued activities and find meaning in their lives after brain injury. Self-Identity after Brain Injury is the first book dedicated to self-identity issues after brain injury which integrates theory and research, and also assessment and intervention strategies. It will be a key resource to support clinicians and researchers working in brain injury rehabilitation, and will be of great interest to researchers and students in clinical psychology, neuropsychology, and allied health disciplines.

In this new volume, Dr. Gregory Fanelli, of the Geisinger Medical Center and a reknowned expert on knee injuries, provides orthopaedic surgeons with an unprecedented review of the most recent and advanced knowledge needed to successfully diagnosis and treat PCL injuries. This comprehensive and practical volume covers everything from biomechanics and anatomy, evaluation and non-operative treatment to the latest surgical treatments of PCL injuries using arthroscopy, grafts and synthetic ligament substitutes. In addition, contributions from such well-known specialists as Drs. M. Malek, Roger Larson and Fred Flandery make this an essential text for every orthopaedic surgeon.

While evidence-based practice (EBP) has greatly influenced rehabilitation in the past decade, it continues to evolve and practitioners need guidance to implement evidence into their practice. Evidence-Based Rehabilitation: A Guide to Practice, the best-selling text providing step-by-step EBP guidance for rehabilitation professionals, has been updated into an expanded Third Edition. In Evidence-Based Rehabilitation, Third Edition Drs. Mary Law and Joy MacDermid, along with their contributors, explain evidence-based rehabilitation, the concepts underlying EBP, and build the reader's knowledge and skills through specific learning. The text is organised by the steps of the EBP process-introduction to EBP, finding the evidence, assessing the evidence, and using the evidence. EBP focuses first and foremost on making the best decisions for each client and using the best information available. For many rehabilitation practitioners, building skills in EBP is best done one step at a time. Evidence-Based Rehabilitation helps the rehabilitation student and practitioner develop his or her knowledge and skills to implement evidence-based rehabilitation in practice. Benefits of the Third Edition: All chapters have been updated with new information and resources New chapters about systematic reviews, and knowledge transfer Extensive guide available with specific student activities and answers for faculty use Critical review forms included for student use-these forms have been used by practitioners and researchers around the world for 10 to 20 years Recognition throughout the book that EBP in rehabilitation means bringing together research evidence, clinical reasoning of the therapist and client values and goals Fits the standard 3-unit course design with 11 to 12 sessions Instructors in educational settings can visit www.efacultylounge.com for additional materials to be used for teaching in the classroom. Designed and written by an occupational therapist and a physical therapist with extensive research, education, and practice experience, Evidence-Based Rehabilitation: A Guide to Practice, Third Edition will guide both occupational therapy and physical therapy students and practitioners as they incorporate evidence-based practice into their work.

Sleep and Rehabilitation: A Guide for Health Professionals is a concise reference for the health professional looking to further understand sleep and how sleep science may impact particular areas of various rehabilitation disciplines. Dr. Julie M. Hereford and her contributors present Sleep and Rehabilitation: A Guide for Health Professionals in an easy-to-read manner by dividing the text into four main sections. The first section provides a review of the basic scientific understanding of sleep. While there are many other publications that present a basic scientific understanding of sleep, Sleep and Rehabilitation systematically gears this information toward the rehabilitation professional with commonly used terminology, descriptions of sleep architecture, and information concerning sleep hygiene. The final sections of Sleep and Rehabilitation describe disordered sleep and how it pertains to patients seen in the rehabilitation setting. It guides the health professional to recognise the manifestations and consequences of disordered sleep and teaches the rehabilitation professional how to interpret a sleep study in order to provide guidance in clinical decision making. Finally, Sleep and Rehabilitation provides the ever-important practical application of the theoretical principles in sleep rehabilitation. Features include: Discussion on the science of polysomnography Sleep and sleep dysfunction from a rehabilitation perspective Sleep dysfunction as it relates to the clinical needs of a patient undergoing the rehabilitation process Discussion on the particular concerns that sleep and sleep dysfunction can hold for rehabilitation patients and issues to be addressed by the provider Presentation of unique issues that disordered sleep may present in the rehabilitation process such as on pain, pain management, motor learning, and memory and performance enhancement Tools to assess quality and quantity of a patient's sleep Discussion on methods in which sleep may be manipulated in order to optimise a patient's physical performance Sleep and Rehabilitation: A Guide for Health Professionals is a one-of-a-kind reference that will help the health professional incorporate the science of sleep into the rehabilitation process.

Traumatic brain injury (TBI) can seriously disrupt the social and communication skills that are basic requirements for everyday life. It is the loss of these interpersonal skills that can be the most devastating for people with TBI and their families. Although there are many books that focus upon TBI, none focus on communication and communication skills specifically. This book fills this important gap in the literature and provides information ranging from a broad overview of the nature of pathology following TBI and its effects on cognition and behaviour, through to the latest evidence about ways to assess and treat social and communication disorders. Much has changed in the field of communication disorders and TBI since the first edition of this book was published in 1999. There have been advances in neuroimaging, providing more accurate understanding of how the brain is damaged in TBI and also insights into its repair. There has been a burgeoning interest in social cognition, and advances in how communication is conceptualized, with a particular focus on the role of how context facilitates or impedes communicative ability. Most importantly, much has changed in the arena of rehabilitation. There is now a growing evidence base of treatments aimed at improving communication problems following TBI, new resources for accessing this information and renewed interest in different kinds of methods for demonstrating treatment effects. Bringing together a range of expert international researchers interested in understanding the nature and treatment of TBI this book covers topics from understanding how the brain damage occurs, how it affects social and communication skills and how these problems might be treated. As such it will be of great interest to clinicians, postgraduate and undergraduate students and researchers in neuropsychology, speech and language pathology.

While emphysema and chronic bronchitis are primarily lung di seases, one of their major consequences is to deeply affect the function of the respiratory muscles. Lung hyperinflation shortens the inspiratory muscles due to increased airways resistance, more of their effort is demanded and changes in nutritional status wea ken them further. Their malfunction can lead to severe dyspnea and to failure of the ventilatory pump. Over the last 10 years we have witnessed an explosion of information of how respiratory muscles function in health and disease, new techniques for their evaluation have been created, the concept of fatigue, weakness, and failure was developed, and their rest or training was attemp ted. The implication of respiratory muscles malfunction in respi ratory medicine has reached a prominent place. It seems remarkable that while some aspect of skeletal muscles function requires molecular biology techniques to find new an swers, we still know little on respiratory muscles interaction, stra tegies of coordination, their role in dyspnea, chronic hypercapnia or how to effectively improve their function in patients. This workshop was organized and held at the Medical Center of Rehabilitation in Montescano and represents an attempt to focus on how the newly adquired wealth of information can eventually be trasformed into medical care. The particpants in this workshop brought forward challenging thoughts and we are most grateful for their participation. This book represents a report of the proceedings and also provides the most updated information in this field.